Fairfield American shortstop Michael Iannozzo turns a double play over Newington's J.T. Galinoto to quench a 4th inning rally in their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship inFairfield American shortstop Michael Iannozzo turns a double play over Newington's J.T. Galinoto to quench a 4th inning rally in their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn. on Monday, July 31, 2017.

Fairfield American pitcher Tyler Bauer gets a high five as he leaves the field after pitching out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning of a 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League stateFairfield American pitcher Tyler Bauer gets a high five as he leaves the field after pitching out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning of a 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League state championship in Guilford on Monday.

Fairfield American's Troy Ashkinos celebrates as he rounds second base after hitting a home run in the 2nd inning of their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn.Fairfield American's Troy Ashkinos celebrates as he rounds second base after hitting a home run in the 2nd inning of their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn. on Monday, July 31, 2017.

Fairfield American winning pitcher Tyler Bauer, center, celebrates with his teammates following their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn. on Monday, July 31,Fairfield American winning pitcher Tyler Bauer, center, celebrates with his teammates following their 6-4 victory over Newington in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn. on Monday, July 31, 2017.

Fairfield American defeats Newington 6-4 in the Little League State Championship in Guilford, Conn. on Monday, July 31, 2017.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The waiting, as Tom Petty wrote, is the hardest part.

But for the past four days, all manager Mike Randazzo and the Fairfield American Little League team have done — aside from taking part in dozens of scheduled activities with ESPN and other parties — is wait. Wait to get back on the field.

“The waiting around … yes, I can’t wait to get back on the field,” Randazzo said. “We had a lot of downtime in Bristol and we had four more ‘down’ days here. Yes, there are scheduled activities but I’m ready to play some baseball, no question about it.”

Fairfield American, the New England regional champion, faces Jackson, N.J., the Mid-Atlantic champ, Thursday at 3 p.m. (ESPN) at Lamade Stadium. Over 30,000 people are likely to be in attendance when the United States bracket gets underway with its opening game.

Jackson (20-1 this summer) defeated Washington, D.C., New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland to reach Williamsport, scoring 43 runs in its four games. New Jersey is led by slugger Chris Cartnick — who hit four home runs in the four games, including a grand slam — and pitchers Tai Mann and Garrett Drew.

“We saw them in parts of different games, but we didn’t see that much,” Randazzo said. “We didn’t see full games but what we saw on TV … those boys know what they’re doing. They hit the ball really well. They’ve got a few really good arms, and I think we play pretty good defense, but they might play even better defense We’re going to have our hands full, no doubt.”

Especially with Cartnick, who batted .545 in the Mid-Atlantic Regional with 10 RBIs and nine runs scored.

Depending on the situation, will Fairfield pitch to him?

“It’ll all be situational, but look, we haven’t played a game where we wouldn’t pitch to someone,” Randazzo said. “I’m sure at some point we’ll run into that, but we’re going to throw to him and try to see where his weaknesses are and try to hit those spots.”

While waiting to get back on the field, Fairfield American has been working a jam-packed schedule — the welcome parade took place Wednesday afternoon and the opening ceremonies are Thursday at 11 a.m. — including several get-togethers with ESPN.

“Yesterday, we spent about two and a half hours filming a bunch of stuff for ESPN,” Randazzo said. “Taking team pictures, headshots for the scoreboard, as well as all the recording, whatever ESPN does with it, there are pretty good promos that they put together. That was a lot of fun. The boys are just having a blast. They’re celebrities, walking around like they’re celebrities and getting treated that way. It’s incredible.

“We’re trying to keep them in the routine as much as possible. Now, that’s more difficult because there are so many more distractions here with all the activities they have. Honestly, we’ve been working to keep them with as little downtime as possible. Just so we can get through these next few days and get on the field.”

Until then, Fairfield American will continue to live the dream.

“Let me put it this way, it’s like Disney World for baseball. If anyone doesn’t like to be here, then something’s wrong with them. It’s amazing,” Randazzo said. “They have a rec room here and they have five or six pingpong tables in there and free arcade games; the boys are all over that. The kids are using Google Translate to talk with the some of the international teams. It’s amazing to watch this.”